The move by the provincial government to take over some administration functions in eThekwini municipality has finally been given the thumbs-up. It is the only metro in KwaZulu-Natal.
Although the plan was announced early last year, it received a tense reception from some quarters in the metro. This with the ANC councillors jostling among themselves about whether it was an appropriate move.
At one stage, eThekwini metro speaker Thabani Nyawose complained that Bongiwe Sithole-Moloi, the then KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), was hounding and keeping the municipal executive in the dark about the intervention.
The fracas led to a stalemate and the intervention team was unable to commence its work.
Main objective is to ensure that eThekwini regained its capacity
“The intervention is aimed at ensuring that eThekwini regained its capacity. To also enable it to meet its service delivery mandate,” said Sithole-Moloi at the time.
Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, the new Cogta MEC, confirmed the new development. He announced on Thursday that the team was ready to get the ball rolling. The team is led by former eThekwini city manager Michael Sutcliffe and experienced administrator Dr Cassius Lubisi.
“Our objective is to restore eThekwini to its former standing as the jewel crown of KZN. This action by the provincial government underscores the commitment to clean governance. Also commitment to accelerated service delivery,” Buthelezi explained.
The intervention allows the national government to support and strengthen the capacity of municipalities.
Municipality has no mayor following Kaunda’s exit
The eThekwini metro currently has no mayor following the unceremonious departure of Mxolisi Kaunda. It has been confronted by a slew of service delivery lapses. These are often attributed to the issues that led to Kaunda’s departure.
Kaunda is now dispatched to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP). His portfolio is responsible for ensuring that provinces receive much attention in the national assembly.
The new eThekwini metro team will be stationed in the metro for a year, reporting to Cogta MEC.
Restore clean governance
Among its functions are the implementation of investigation report findings. Also building a clean, effective, efficient, responsive and accountable governance structure.
Other key roles of the intervention team will entail strengthening partnerships. These are between communities, the business sector, civil society and other role players. In order to restore public confidence in the metro.
